Breaking tradition is in style! DIVORCE rings are trending as more women celebrate their next chapter with repurposed bling, and singles are buying SELF-engagement rings
- Emily Ratajkowski made headlines after repurposing her engagement ring which once featured a pear and a square-cut diamond into two separate rings
- 'Divorce rings are a way to reclaim the jewelry's significance in a new context and represent a new beginning for the wearer,' shares a jewelry expert
- Another trend in jewelry is women buying their own engagement-style rings as a symbol of self-affirmation and empowerment
Emily Ratajkowski recently made headlines when she repurposed her massive toi et moi engagement ring from ex-husband Sebastian Bear-McClard.
The model's ring which once featured a pear and a square-cut diamond is now two separate rings - a new category in the jewelry industry called divorce rings.
'The rings represent my own personal evolution,' the brunette beauty told Vogue. 'I don’t think a woman should be stripped of her diamonds just because she’s losing a man.'
![Emily Ratajkowski recently made headlines when she repurposed her massive toi et moi engagement ring from ex-husband Sebastian Bear-McClard](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/01/21/84340583-13368499-image-a-6_1714595690753.jpg)
Emily Ratajkowski recently made headlines when she repurposed her massive toi et moi engagement ring from ex-husband Sebastian Bear-McClard
Rachel Akmakjian Director of Jeweler Relations at BriteCo and Graduate Gemologist, describes divorce rings as 'a former engagement ring or bridal set that has been reworked and remastered into a piece that symbolizes the end of their marriage.'
No matter how stunning the engagement ring, after a breakup, it represents something that no longer exists. So why not give it new meaning?
![The model's ring which once featured a pear and a square-cut diamond is now two separate rings - a new category in the jewelry industry called divorce rings](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/01/20/84338529-13368499-image-a-1_1714592861395.jpg)
The model's ring which once featured a pear and a square-cut diamond is now two separate rings - a new category in the jewelry industry called divorce rings
'Divorce rings are a way to reclaim the jewelry's significance in a new context and represent a new beginning for the wearer,' shared Rachel.
'It's similar to an engagement or wedding ring but is a marker of transitioning out of the relationship rather than into it.'
Ways to repurpose an engagement ring and/or wedding band
According to the expert, the key to personalizing a divorce ring is to choose elements that resonate with your experience and symbolize your path toward healing and self-discovery.
'You can work with a jeweler to design a custom divorce ring that reflects your individuality and story.'
Emily enlisted Alison Chemla, creative director of jewelry brand Alison Lou, to reimagine her ring.
Now, the pear stone of her engagement ring is a stunning pinky ring, and the square diamond has been remade into a trilogy ring.
![Emily enlisted Alison Chemla, creative director of jewelry brand Alison Lou, to reimagine her ring. Now, the pear stone of her engagement ring is a stunning pinky ring, and the square diamond has been remade into a trilogy ring](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/01/22/84340585-13368499-image-a-39_1714597646351.jpg)
Emily enlisted Alison Chemla, creative director of jewelry brand Alison Lou, to reimagine her ring. Now, the pear stone of her engagement ring is a stunning pinky ring, and the square diamond has been remade into a trilogy ring
Divorce ring styles can vary depending on personal taste and interests.
'Engraving a meaningful message, date, or mantra inside the band of the divorce ring can serve as a reminder of your strength and resilience as you move forward,' suggests the gemologist.
'If you have other jewelry items you no longer wish to wear from your marriage, consider repurposing the materials into your divorce ring.
'You can also create a set of stackable rings, each representing a different aspect of your journey post-divorce, by mixing and matching styles, colors, and textures to create a look reflective of your personal growth.'
Incorporating other gems like your birthstone can give your ring new meaning.
![Rachel Akmakjian Director of Jeweler Relations at BriteCo and Graduate Gemologist says another trend in jewelry is women buying their own engagement-style rings. Pictured: Rings by Dara Kaye Jewelry](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/01/21/84340731-13368499-image-a-24_1714597162329.jpg)
Rachel Akmakjian Director of Jeweler Relations at BriteCo and Graduate Gemologist says another trend in jewelry is women buying their own engagement-style rings. Pictured: Rings by Dara Kaye Jewelry
Put your own ring on it
According to the expert, another trend in the jewelry industry is women buying their own engagement-style rings.
'Wearing a self-engagement ring is a growing trend among individuals who want to celebrate their independence, self-worth, and commitment to self-love,' reveals BriteCo's Director of Jeweler Relations.
'It's a symbolic gesture of self-affirmation and empowerment, signifying that you don't need to wait for someone else to validate your worth or commit to your happiness.'
Fine jewelry designers such as Julez Bryant, Karen Karch, Dara Kaye Jewelry and Melissa Joy Manning offer stunning engagement rings and engagement-style rings any modern gal would love.
'The concept of self-engagement rings has gained popularity for individuals to redefine the traditional narrative around engagement rings, which has historically centered on romantic partnerships.
'Instead, self-engagement rings celebrate the importance of self-love, personal growth, and individual fulfillment.'
![Crown ring set by Karen Karch, $7,275; karenkarch.com](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/01/22/84340595-13368499-image-a-40_1714600078892.jpg)
Crown ring set by Karen Karch, $7,275; karenkarch.com
![Melissa Joy Manning Sapphire ring](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/01/22/84340587-13368499-image-m-33_1714597341724.jpg)
![Melissa Joy Manning Sapphire ring](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/01/22/84340579-13368499-image-a-34_1714597348262.jpg)
1.65 Carat Hexagonal Montana Sapphire ring by Melissa Joy Manning, $4,140; melissajoymanning.com. Right: 1.23 Carat Blue Montana Sapphire Ring by Melissa Joy Manning, $9,310; melissajoymanning.com
![Julez Bryant Rome Kite Ring](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/01/22/84340581-13368499-image-m-35_1714597355402.jpg)
![Julez Bryant Rafa ring](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/01/22/84340577-13368499-image-a-36_1714597371244.jpg)
Left: Rome 14k Gold Kite Diamond Ring by Julez Bryant, julezbryant.com. Rafa 14K Gold Ring by Julez Bryant, julezbryant.com
![Karen Karch Studded Star Invincible ring](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/02/21/84340597-13368499-Karen_Karch_Studded_Star_Invincible_ring-m-45_1714682450215.jpg)
![Karen Karch Studded Vine Solitaire](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/02/21/84340591-13368499-Karen_Karch_Studded_Vine_Solitaire-a-46_1714682457923.jpg)
Studded Star invincible by Karen Karch, $4,350; karenkarch.com. Right: Studded vine solitaire by Karen Karch, $3,000; karenkarch.com
Give self-love the finger (any finger!)
In many western cultures, wedding rings are worn on the fourth finger of the left hand.
This tradition is rooted in the belief that this finger has a vein "vena amoris" that runs directly to the heart.
But when it comes to a divorce ring, all fingers are fair game.
'The finger on which to wear a divorce ring depends on personal preference,' says Rachel.
'Some people wear their divorce ring on the ring finger of their left hand, similar to a wedding ring placement. This placement symbolizes one's commitment to oneself as one embarks on this new journey of self-discovery and relearns the freedom of being on one's own.
'Others may opt to wear the divorce ring on a different finger, pinky, middle, or right-hand ring finger.'
Be sure to insure your new bling
'I highly recommend that you insure any piece of fine jewelry—that is, jewelry made of diamonds, fine gemstones, and precious metals,' says Akmakjian.
'At BriteCo Jewelry Insurance you can get your jewelry insured in a matter of minutes at unbeatable prices.
'With BriteCo, you can rest easy knowing that we have you covered from loss and theft to any damage your ring may incur.'